WFM: Doctor's Office Entertainment

Whose kids get all kinds of naughty waiting at the doctor's office?

**raises hand**

These tricks keep them busy and out of trouble much longer than the books in the rooms. My kids always go through those within the first 3 minutes. And you don't need to pack a large bag of goodies!

1. Take Crayons!
My kids love to color on the paper they use to cover the examination table. They have nice large surface to keep them busy (and from running out of room). No harm is done since they throw the paper away after your visit. As an added bonus, the pictures can help a shy child break the ice with the doctors and/or nurse.

2. Dry Erase Markers!
My boys also love the idea of coloring on the mirror in the room. This holds special thrill for them since it is kind of a taboo activity. The marker wipes right off with a paper towel -- no Windex needed! If you're worried, you can take glass wipes to clean off the mirror. Don't forget to be kind and wipe the mirror off when you're finished! =)

Can I Make a Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole?

I don't know if it's the cool weather creeping up on me or what, but lately I have been seriously craving green bean casserole.

The thing is though, I'm not a big fan of the condensed canned soups. Have you ever noticed that slurping sound they make when they slide out of the can? Even if I were a fan, my youngest has a dairy allergy.

I have a recipe for mushroom sauce, and I figured with some tweaking, I could use it in place of the soup. This is what I came up with. And boy was it yummy! This will be appearing in my kitchen again!

DAIRY-FREE GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

1 lb fresh or frozen green beans, or 2 14 oz cans, drained

1 c mushroom sauce (see recipe below)

1 c french fried mushrooms (I tried, and LOVED, the new Alexia baked onions for this!)

Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 350 F. If using fresh or frozen green beans, trim to desired size. Steam in 2-3 TBSP of water until tender. Drain well. Pour into a greased casserole. Add mushroom sauce and 1/2 of the fried onions. Salt and pepper to taste. Top with the remaining fried onions. Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes until the onions on top are golden brown.

MUSHROOM SAUCE

1/2 c sliced mushrooms

3 TBSP butter

3 TBSP flour

1 tsp basil

1 c broth

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and saute until soft. Add basil, salt, and pepper. Stir in flour. Mix well to combine. Slowly stir broth into the flour mixture to remove any lumps. Bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute to thicken.

For a thinner sauce to use with pasta, potatoes, or meat, use 1 TBSP butter and 1 TBSP flour.

I'M BACK!

20 people

4 countries

27,749 air miles

(that's not counting ground travel folks)

24 days

It was a long trip, but truly the experience of a lifetime. I'm recovered and back to regular blogging beginning tomorrow. I'll be posting weekly stories about the trip, including lots and lots of pictures, so be sure to check back!

Thailand/Malaysia, by BEULAH FIELDS

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.

album 08/10/09, by BEULAH FIELDS

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.

sydney 2009 (66 photos), by BEULAH FIELDS

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.

Still Around!

After an exceptionally long series of trancontinental flights, and two days in Singapore, I finally made it to Sydney.

Where I spent my first full day in bed with the stomach flu. I'm off to regain my strength, shop, and explore the city.

All the details, and lots of photos when I get back!